20 Blood Orange Recipes to Make Winter More Bearable (2024)

FAQs

Is blood orange a winter fruit? ›

This is also why blood oranges are harvested in winter. You're most likely to see them available for sale from December into April in the U.S., although depending on the weather in a given year, that season may extend for a month on either end.

First of all, remember that blood orange trees require a warm climate, between 55-85 F. (13-29 C.) outdoors, and an average of 65 F. (18 C.)

Blood orange pair well with all types of less acidic fruit. These kinds of fruits attenuate blood orange's tartness, therefore: apricots, figs, strawberries, lime, lemon, mango, apples, melon and peaches. A marriage with pineapple mitigates the sour and slightly sulphurous notes of this orange.

Long popular in Italy and Spain, these ruby-hued oranges are now being cultivated in Texas and California. Available from December to April, blood oranges are often both sweeter and less tart than other types of oranges, with a pleasantly bitter edge.

Because of their reddish-pink flesh, Cara Cara oranges are sometimes compared with blood oranges. Blood oranges, like Cara Caras, are also winter cultivars of Citrus sinensis. But the flesh of blood oranges is darker, ranging in color from a rosy pink shade to red, maroon, and a deep purplish, nearly black hue.

The two also have different growing seasons. Navel oranges grow and can be eaten year-round. Blood oranges harvest season is much shorter, and they are only available in the winter and early spring. Navel and blood oranges have slightly different tastes.

Blood oranges are also full of potassium. It's important to get enough potassium in your diet, but too much can cause problems for people who have been prescribed beta-blockers. These medications increase potassium levels as well, which can result in damage to your heart in excess.

The difference between these two varieties of orange is that blood oranges have an antioxidant called anthocyanin. This antioxidant gives blood oranges their distinct color, but it also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Also, the blood orange is less tangy than a navel orange but has a floral tart taste.

Oranges don't ripen after picking. You can, however, make the peel turn from green to orange by exposing the orange to ethylene gas (as given off by fruits like bananas or apples). This does nothing for the actual fruit, but it can make them more visually appealing.

Tarocco Blood Oranges from Pearson Ranch are technically the sweetest of the blood varieties. Tarocco Blood Oranges are a medium sized blood orange variety with virtually no seeds (although you may occasionally find one).

What is special about blood oranges? ›

Blood oranges are highly nutritious and contain several important vitamins and minerals, including fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. They may also be linked to many health benefits, including weight loss, improved gut health, and better immune function. Plus, this citrus fruit is simply delicious.

The blood orange is a natural mutation of the orange, which is itself a hybrid, probably between the pomelo and the tangerine. Within Europe, the arancia rossa di Sicilia (red orange of Sicily) has Protected Geographical Status.

With a sharp knife, cut off the top and bottom of the oranges. Carefully cut off the remaining peel and pith (the white exterior coating of the orange), being sure to preserve the round shape of the orange. Cut each orange into about 5 horizontal slices and remove any seeds.

Store blood oranges at room temperature if you're going to eat them within a day or two. Stored in the fridge, they'll last for about 10 days.

Like navel and Valencia oranges, blood oranges should be heavy for their size, with firm, smooth skins free of bruising or soft spots. They tend to be a bit smaller than other oranges, and their skin may have a slight dark reddish hue.

The anthocyanins – which give the orange its distinct maroon color – will only develop when temperatures are low at night, as during the Mediterranean fall and winter. Blood oranges cultivated in the United States are in season from December to March (Texas), and from November to May (California).

Blood Oranges are at their peak from Winter to Spring. We at The Fruit Company bring this fruit in specially for our HarvestClub Exotica members in January.

Blood Oranges

They are also delicious when part of a dessert, such as a cardamom cake or panna cotta. Blood oranges are not widely available in North America but can be found at specialty markets during its season from November through March. You also may find them at your local supermarket.

Winter fruit and vegetable varieties include apples, pears, citrus fruits, kiwi, grapes, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and potatoes. These produce items are grown during the colder months of fall and winter.